Carlos Vicens’ side sealed the prestigious title with a superb 3-1 victory over Fulham in Saturday’s showpiece final at the Academy Stadium.
First-half goals from Sam Edozie, Carlos Borges and Oscar Bobb secured the triumph over the Cottagers and set the seal on what has been a superb campaign for Vicens’ talented young side.
City had already won the Under-18 Premier League North crown earlier this month and today’s success saw us retain the national title we won on a points per game basis last season in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saturday’s national triumph rounded off a wonderful debut campaign for Vicens, who succeeded Gareth Taylor as Lead Coach at the start of this season and guided City to FA Youth Cup glory in November’s delayed 2019/20 final.
Vicens’ youngsters achieved a remarkable level of consistency throughout the league campaign, winning 20 of our 24 Under-18 North games, whilst our solitary loss was sandwiched between 11 and 12 match unbeaten runs.
Our success was built on brilliance at both ends of the pitch.
Our rock-solid defence conceded less than a goal a game to end the campaign with the best record in the country and we also proved to be the most potent attacking force in the North Division, scoring more goals than any other team.
The Under-18 National title also adds to what has been a hugely successful 2020/21 campaign for City’s Academy.
Vicens’ side follow in the footsteps of the Elite Development Squad, who claimed the Club’s first Premier League 2 trophy last month.
And, with Pep Guardiola’s first team also confirmed as champions, we are the first Club to win an Under-18 league title (both regional and national), the Premier League 2 and the Premier League in the same season.
Everyone at Manchester City congratulates Carlos, the Under-18 squad and staff on this fantastic achievement.
